2002 Toyota 4Runner Suspension Problems
- 30
- Owner complaint records in our dataset
Records are owner complaints, not a measured failure rate.
Owner complaint recordsComplaint records reflect reports in our dataset and do not measure how frequently the problem occurs across all vehicles.
Among these 30 stored complaint records:
- 2 indicate a crash
- 1 indicate injury
- 0 indicate fire
What owners report
- rusted frame · 5 records
- rear differential · 4 records
- ball joint · 4 records
Mileage in stored records
| Band | Records |
|---|---|
| 150–400k mi | 12 |
| 100–150k mi | 8 |
| 30–60k mi | 2 |
| 60–100k mi | 2 |
| 1–30k mi | 1 |
Complaint records
Owner-submitted complaint content, presented as stored.
Service Brakes · Steering · Suspension
I have a 2002 toyota 4runner with a severely rusted frame. My vehicle has less than 70k original miles on it, no body rust, but an extremely rusted undercarriage and frame. I feel it is unsafe to continually drive with this problem, as it will only get worse and could affect other components such as steering, suspension, brakes, etc. Seeing as how toyota has already had a class action lawsuit against their trucks of…
ODI 11299973
Body · Suspension · Unknown Or Other
Right frame rail is very rusted to the point of non repair. Unable to repair suspension due to unable to remove bolts that hold suspension to frame.
ODI 11208039
Body · Steering · Suspension
I was doing an oil change and noticed that the frame was rusted very badly . I think that there should be a recall on this model 3rd gen 4runner (1999-2002)this is the same frame as the truck that was recalled ,so this should be included .if this frame breaks it will hurt or kill some one .
ODI 11187330
Suspension
On my 2002 toyota 4 runner the bracket welded to the frame for rear trailing arm on drivers side rusted off causing the vehicle to sway and act very strange. Lots of other places rusted bad on frame also!
ODI 11166049
Suspension
Rear swaybar rusted from frame causing 4runner to wobble excessivly almost causing me to wreck. That side of frame is completely rusted away.
ODI 11143805
Body · Suspension
Rear axel is rusted off the frame, and rotting, mechanic says it's unsafe to drive
ODI 11130001
Body · Suspension
Frame rust on the inside portion for the frame. 33" hole rusted through completely on passenger side. Rust continues about 80% of the way through the rear lower control arm mount. Driver's side has a similar amount of severe rust that has weakened the structural integrity of the frame to the point where it is no longer safe to drive. Should the co troll arm mount finish rusting through, the axle will no longer be…
ODI 11121804
Suspension
The rear body mount bushings are completely rusted away and do not hold the frame to the body due to excessive frame body rust thru out the vehicle's frame. Makes noise when turning or going over bumps
ODI 11124130
Body · Suspension
This is yet another costumer of the 4runner 3rd generation complaining about the frame rusting out. There needs to be responsability for the bad frames on this year 4runner. My frame has holes in the rear control arm attachment area and more rust all throughout entire frame. I'm doing all i can to keep my frame from getting any more rust on it and keeping it safe to be on the road. I strongly believe toyota should…
ODI 11141413
Service Brakes · Suspension
Takata recall: i was driving on. Freeeway (5) freeway and ball joints busted off and lost wheel and slid about 60 feet before stoping. Busted break line and bent control joint.
ODI 11085188
Service Brakes · Steering · Suspension
Traction control system malfunctions intermittently while driving around curves. Several times while driving approximately 30-40 miles per hour on a mountain road, the anti skid light illuminates without warning on a dry paved road with a subsequent sudden pull to the right and "grinding" noise. This has happened multiple times without warning. The toyota dealer can not help, since he can not replicate the problem.…
ODI 10886135
Power Train · Suspension
I took my vehicle in for a routine oil change recently and the technician said that i have some major rust issues on my rear axle and drivetrain. He should me when it was on the lift. He explained to me that the bolt and clip than holds the brake line down on the rear differential had rusted and broken off of the differential cover. The rear differential is now leaking gear oil. The technician advised me that it is…
ODI 10826027
Suspension
I have a 2002 toyota 4 runner that was taken in for yearly state inspection and the technician informed that the frame is rotted through. He stated that the vehicle was unsafe to drive and a rejection sticker has been placed on the vehicle. Not sure what to do now. The vehicle still looks and runs very well, but unable to drive.
ODI 10790501
Body · Suspension
Vehicle was stationary. While replacing exhaust system components. Found what appeared to be minor rust on the passenger (right) side rear suspension mount. Further investigation uncovered a larger area of rust along the 3 welds on the inner frame rail. Cut / ground the metal back to good metal and am in the process of patching for my yearly maine vehicle inspection. Either toyota has built an inferior frame or the…
ODI 10779459
Suspension · Unknown Or Other
Frame and some suspension parts are very rusted, frame has holes and is becoming unsafe to drive. Vehicle is only 13 years old, only 100100 miles. Passenger side front suspension pop's when stressed in cornering. When at idle, you can hear the vibration from rust chunks in the frame. All heat shields rusted. Skid plates on front and fuel tank so rusted must remove. Now nothing is protecting the fuel tank.
ODI 10778598
Frame And Members · Suspension
Tl* the contact owns a 2002 toyota 4runner. The contact stated that the rear trailing arm on the vehicle prematurely deteriorated and fractured. The vehicle was towed to the contact's residence and then towed to an independent mechanic. Who diagnosed that the rear end housing and axle differential needed to be replaced. The vehicle was not repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The approximate…
ODI 10764478
Steering · Suspension
Vehicle bucked and swayed as rear frame separated at the joint on driver side was unaware of issue before this tried to find sway bar issue it was spotted at a distance by coworker. *tr
ODI 10712754
Suspension · Unknown Or Other
After buying this vehicle i was underneath vehicle to repair a axle seal leaking and found extensive frame rust on passenger rear of frame. By extensive i mean the frame was rusted completely through! I have lived in ohio all of my life and have never seen a vehicle with this mileage and of this year have such severe frame rust! After further inspection i noticed rear end housing was also severely rusted. The rust…
ODI 10763756
Power Train · Suspension · Underbody Shields
The frame is rusting almost in two. Looks like it could break any time. Rear axel is also very rusted with pieces falling off. *tr
ODI 10701395
Suspension
FRAME IS RUSTING OUT
ODI 10876064
Suspension
The frame on the 2002 4-runner has completely corroded and caused the toyota dealership to deem the vehicle unsafe for driving. Even though this a recognized design failure, toyota refuses to cover the cost of replacement. Toyota has recalled tundra models for this defect, but refuses to acknowledge the 4-runner design flaw since it was manufactured completely at their hino japan plant. *tr
ODI 10713384
Body · Suspension
Extensive rust thru on drivers side of frame, rear suspension link rusted to the point where complete failure in coming soon. Last two feet of frame completely gone. Doubt it will pass another safety inspection without significant repair. Rear differential rusted to the point gear oil leaks. This is common on all 4 runners and should be recalled just like the tacomas. *tr
ODI 10660383
Suspension
Rust perforation in right side rear frame rail across from fuel tank inboard side. I understand toyota has already recalled the tacoma (same year) for the same issues however has not recalled the 4runner. Car will not pass inspection nor can dealer repair. *js
ODI 10616666
Body · Suspension · Unknown Or Other
Frame rusted out, similar to tacoma pick up trucks recall. Additionally climate control heating, cooling, fan defective, power antenna in-operable.
ODI 11097773
Power Train · Suspension
Recently purchased this vehicle and started cleaning it, after i drove it home and pressure washed undercarriage, pieces of the rear differential started flying off and gear oil started running out of holes. I have a 1971 dodge challenger with original rear end that has never been in garage and have never seen a rearend rust like this. I'm really worried about how strong the axle housing structure is and if it could…
ODI 10513553